According to new research, unlike certain arthritic-related aches and pains, back pain doesn’t appear to be associated with changes in the weather. With more than 80 percent of the population affected by back pain at some point in their lives, researchers are always looking to better understand those things that alleviate or exacerbate back pain. In this new study, Australian researchers reviewed specific health data on close to 1,000 adults with low back pain. They compared that data, including the days when back pain was first noticed as well as one week and one month prior to that date, with weather data during those times including temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure and wind direction. For the most part, researchers found little to no significant association between the weather and a worsening or improving of the subjects’ back pain. Researchers concluded that back pain sufferers should not worry about the weather affecting their back pain. Rather, back pain sufferers should be more concerned with other factors such as lifting techniques, stress and fatigue - things that have been shown to have an effect on back pain.

American Chiropractic Association Launches Public Health Awareness Campaign - Arlington, Va.—During National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) this fall, the American Chiropractic Association is working with the more than 130,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs), chiropractic assistants (CAs) and chiropractic doctoral students nationwide to help educate the public and policymakers about the value of a “conservative care first” approach to health care. This health care model encourages emphasis on more cost-effective and safer approaches over potentially addictive medications for pain management and health enhancement. Conservative management of painful conditions may include chiropractic manipulation combined with exercise and stretching prior to moving on to procedures involving higher risk. During NCHM in October, chiropractic physicians will be provided resources to help them share their conservative care first approach and why it is especially significant to today’s health care consumers. This in turn will help patients have well informed conversations with their health care providers, empowering them to become their own advocates by insisting on information about conservative treatment options. Why is “Conservative Care First” more important today than ever in facing our nation’s healthcare challenges?

• Numerous recent studies have clearly shown the dangerous overreliance in the U.S. on prescription painkillers that simply mask pain, but do not cure. This has tremendously increased Americans’ risk for overuse, and abuse, of these drugs if taken for long periods, leading to more than 17,000 related deaths in 2010 (more than heroin and cocaine combined). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the abuse of prescription pain medications an “epidemic.”

• Recent evidence questions the overuse--and in some cases the effectiveness--of more invasive treatments such as spinal fusion surgery and spinal steroid injections for back pain. It is reasonable for patients to exhaust more conservative options before undergoing these costly procedures.

• Chiropractic physicians are the highest-rated healthcare practitioners for low-back pain treatments with their patient-centered, whole-person approach that provides greater interaction and communication for appropriate diagnosis and developing more cost-effective treatment planning.

“People need complete information about their treatment options,” said ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC. “During National Chiropractic Health Month, DCs are encouraging patients to ask questions and learn about safe, effective conservative approaches that may help them avoid riskier and more costly treatments.”For more tips on healthy, pain-free living, and references visit www.ChiroHealthy.com.

Numerous sleep studies have been conducted to determine how sleep affects the human body and overall health. However, no studies have specifically looked into how sleep affects the brain in aging adults. In efforts to answer this question, Chinese researchers reviewed MRI scans, health questionnaires and cognitive tests on 66 Chinese adults over the age of 55. They then repeated this 2 years later and compared the data. Their findings indicate that those who slept less had more age-related brain shrinkage and an increased decline in cognitive performance. Sleep plays a crucial role in cellular repair and memory consolidation. Lack sleep and you’ll starve your body’s ability to heal, repair and regenerate. Researchers offered the following tips to those who struggle with adequate sleep - Avoid napping during the day, keep your bedroom dark and quiet, have a comfortable mattress, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and avoid activities that excite your brain and body close to bedtime.